2.20.2019

Disneyland/California Adventure

As someone who is a born and raised Native Californian, I thought it was time I shared my love for Disney w/you all.

Not only have I been to the parks several times, but I have now taken my kids and consider myself a pro (just kidding) but really.

So I've decided to compile a list of my favorite go-to's and all my tips & tricks. I hope you find this helpful & magical.

HOTELS:
The first thing everyone asks, is if it's worth it to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier, or The Grand Californian.
And I say- Sure, if you don't really have a budget and just feel like throwing all your dollars at the big man. Now, don't get me wrong- I'm all for Disney taking all my monies; However, I don't think it's worth it UNLESS I HAD ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD which I don't so.....
Here's my take on it- The Disneyland Hotel IS neat because they have a Mickey headboard that has Mickey fireworks that light up & they play "When You Wish Upon A Star" and the hotel IS right downtown & next to Goofy's Kitchen, but that's it. 
You DO have the option of walking into the parks from downtown (and just leaving your car parked at the hotel), or taking the monorail; However, the monorail still requires you to collapse your stroller, making you take everything and everyone out of your stroller. So just keep that in mind, the next time you have a sleeping babe you don't want to wake, or all those packages from shopping for all them cute souvenirs you'll have to unload. And heaven forbid one be a surprise for someone you don't want to see. 
Personally, I don't think it's worth it w/little kids but that's just me. Maybe when my kids are older and they'll appreciate it more? Maybe?






FOOD:
To me, the food is part of the experience. For instance, when you go to Italy, you want good, authentic pasta. When you go to Texas, you want some tasty BBQ food right? Am I right?!?! So, when one goes to Disneyland, be prepared to empty out your pocketbooks. Here is a list of food & restaurants I've compiled:

Disneyland-
  • Dole Whips from the hut just outside the tiki room are a Disneyland classic. But I was informed today that there's now a larger area by Aladdin's Oasis, called The Tropical Hideaway and it has a seating area w/more whip flavors than just the pineapple. So if you're not a fan of the tropical, then check out their other treats. (This new hang out can be found between The Enchanted Tiki Room and The Jungle Cruise.) ***If you don't want to go to The Tropical Hideaway, then you can order just a classic dole whip/float on the other side of the hut going into The Enchanted Tiki Room. But please- Whatever you do, do NOT wait in the long line outside of the hut. Just go through the turn stiles where you don't have to wait as long for your treat(s) and then enjoy an air conditioned space inside The Tiki Room, where the birds can sing & the flowers bloom.
  • Red Rose Tavern, in the back of Fantasy Land, has good sized portions and the grey stuff for dessert. Try the grey stuff! It's delicious! Don't believe me? Ask the dishes!
  • Maurice's Treats has awsome awsome cheddar garlic bagel twists. It's a food truck/stand and can also be found in Fantasy Land.
  • The churros at the park are to die for: You can get one at any of the following carts: Hollywood Land (DCA), Small World Promenade, Big Thunder, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Goofy's Sky School (DCA), Haunted Mansion, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (DCA), Sleeping Beauty Castle, Splash Mountain, Towne Square, SeƱor Buzz Churros, and Willie's Churros at Buena Vista Street (DCA). You can ALSO find more flavorful (and expensive) churros at California Churro. This churro stand can only be found at Downtown Disney though and I would highly recommend NOT doing the ice cream sandwich. It's just too messy.      
  • Frozen Bananas are not usually my thing. Or just bananas in general; However, the cart just outside The Haunted Mansion has delicious frozen bananas and I swear I never eat them outside of the park. You will only ever find me eating (and devouring) frozen bananas from Disneyland. 
  • New Orleans Cafe has Mickey beignets, which make for GREAT pictures if you're into #foodagram or #foodporn, but I personally prefer the ones at Downtown Disney (and so do many others, so I know it's not just me). The ones downtown can be found at The Jazz Kitchen- But don't go to the sit-down restaurant. Just order from the side door. It'll be much faster- Trust me. Shake the bag when you get it, to mix up all the powdered sugar. And you can thank me later.
  • And since we're already talking about DTD ya'll need to try Salt 'N Straw. It's new to the Downtown Disney District, but it's a crowd favorite. 
  • Pizza Port has (obviously) good pizza. It's over by Space Mountain and I usually get pizza at night, wait in line for Space Mountain, and eat while I'm waiting. 'Cuz let's face it- Everyone's in line for Space Mountain at night. So hi- Kill two birds with one stone.                                    



DCA-
  • Pacific Wharf is known for their bread bowls, but be prepared to split it with someone. It's really heavy and will have you full in no time.
  • Flo's Diner by Cars Land has an amazing breakfast tamale, from what I've been told, though I've never tried it. This is from a very reliable source though so go with it :)
  • The plaza by the spinning swings, has buffet-help-yourself kinda style and it's pizza, pasta and mexican food. Really decent sized portions and delicious too.
  • I have it on good authority that Carthay Circle Restaurant is amazing, but pricey.
  • If you're just looking for your basic hamburger, hotdog, etc. then check out the joint by Soarin' California. It's called Smokejumpers Grill and is real industrial looking. You're also able to pick your own produce and it's amazing!



Tips & Tricks:
  • If you're traveling to the park with littles, which- Duh. Walt made the park for children (insert eye roll here). You'll want to head to Fantasy Land fist. Not only does it get pretty crowded pretty quick, but Peter Pan's Flight always has the longest line, along with Dumbo, and you'll want your kids to be nice and happy for Fantasy Land. So head there first, get your good obligatory castle picture, and see some princesses. The best way to see 3 princesses at once, is to go to Royal Hall. It can be a long wait sometimes, but it's totally worth it because like I said- You get to see 3 princesses at a time!!!! (Insert shocked face here). You move from room to room and get some one-on-one time with each princess, and OF COURSE a picture with each one from a Cast Member. OH and it's under a shaded area while you wait. So.... added bonus.
  • I always always have hanging hand sanitizer on the back of my stroller, so I don't have to spread ucky germs and touch everything else while trying to find it. I make my kids sanitize before eating/drinking and will often just squirt their hands throughout our day in the park(s).
  • Carrying shout wipes and travel sized wipes is also a good idea, to help clean up spills and sticky messes. You can find these in the Target or Walmart travel section, as well as many other helpful things. 
  • Before we park our stroller, I grab my debit/credit card, phone, and some snacks for the wait of a ride. You never know how long it'll actually take you to wait (even though they have estimated wait times at the end of each line). BTW I wear a fanny pack into the parks (go ahead- judge me all you want). But it comes in handy! I swear it! My phone is usually right there so I can pull it out for those perfect photo opps, and my debit/credit card is easily accessible as well. And, like I said, when we park our stroller for rides, you can stuff some snacks in there for your littles. They need distractions :)
  • Speaking of strollers, you may park your stroller in one place, to enjoy an attraction/ride with your group BUT JUST KNOW it may not be in that exact same place when you return. Hence why I bring my debit/credit card in my fanny pack while waiting. You may have to walk to a SLIGHTLY different location to get your stroller, and you may see a snack/drink cart that sounds yummy. Cast Members often move strollers to better control crowds and just better control traffic.
  • And since we're on the topic of strollers (now that I'm thinking about this, I should've put this at the top of my list for things to do when you FIRST enter the park, but hey it's in here so that's all that matters right?!?!).... Um strollers! You'll want to purchase a balloon in the park when you first enter! I know that may sound silly, but trust me- It'll make your life easier. Try to get one that's not too popular and that you don't see around too much. Baymax is a pretty Unpopular one and good to use for this. It'll help make your stroller stand out, so you can help find it when it's park (and possibly moved), and when others are looking to meet up with you, it'll be easier for them to better locate you.
  • Also, did you know the seashells on the ground, while waiting in line for The Little Mermaid (at DCA) are real?!?!


Commonly Asked Questions:

Q: Is it easier to park/walk or take public transportation to the parks? And what's your best estimated guess from parking in the Mickey & Friends parking structure, to actually entering the park?
A: On a light day, it can take about 10-15 minutes to walk from your car (in Mickey & Friends parking structure), to the escalators, down through security check, on the tram and to Downtown Disney. And yes, you heard me right- There is now security prior to entering the tram. Even to get into DTD so there's no way around it guys- Just be prepared to wait in lines. ***If you have kids and a stroller, add about an additional 10 minutes to the 10-15 above. You'll need to wait for the elevator and that line gets long.
On a moderate day, this process can easily take 20 minutes (without kids). 
On a heavy day, sometimes it can take an hour to get through security check. YIKES!
And if the crowds at Mickey & Friends are heavy, you can just bypass the tram and walk to Downtown Disney. The walk can take up to 10 minutes though, depending on your speed, so just take that into consideration. 

Q:How does the new Fast Pass system work and how many am I able to get in one day?
A: There's no limit, from what I've seen/heard but there are restrictions; Like only holding one Fast Pass at a time. You can get a new Fast Pass when it is the arrival time for your current Fast Pass. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS if your arrival time is later than two hours after you get your Fast Pass. 

Q: Best underrated thing to do at the park?
A: Riding Storybook Land Canal Boats at night. 

Q: Best tips for first timers?
A: Download the Disneyland App. It's completely free and you can use it for EVERYTHING!  ie-making dining reservations, check wait time, upload pictures from Cast Members, etc.

Pixar Pier is the most recent update at DCA so definitely check it out!

Matterhorn is a fun bobsled type ride with a new, and improved queue. Gotta love technology! 




And remember- There is SO much to do there. Or here. Whichever way you want to look at it :) You may not get everything done your first time, and that's okay. Disney gladly welcomes guests back, and you can always upgrade your ticket, prior to leaving, to an Annual Pass. So just relax, enjoy the moments, and let the Cast Members document the rest for you. 

1.02.2019

Chicken Enchilada Soup



Ingredients:

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 c diced white onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c flour
3 c chicken stock
2 c cooked, shredded chicken (or 2 large chicken breast).
1 10-oz can red enchilada sauce
1 14-oz can black beans, rinse and drained
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes, with juice (and sweet onion is a bonus)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
8 oz Kirkland Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese 
1/2 tsp salt
Optional toppings: Tortilla chips/strips, diced/sliced avocado, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, and/or pico de gallo.

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. (To save time, peel and dice the onion for the minute or so that the oil heats.)
2. Add the onion and sauce for 5 minutes, or until cooked and translucent. Add the garlic, and sauce for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for an additional minute. 
4. Pour in half of the chicken stock, and stir until completely combined and no lumps remain.
5. Add in the rest of the chicken stock, and stir quickly to combine.
6. Add in the chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, tomatoes, salt, and cumin, and stir until combined. 
Continue stirring occasionally until simmering. 
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the soup does not burn to the bottom of the pan. 
8. Slowly stir in the cheese until combined. Season with salt, to taste.
9. Serve your soup warm with toppings of choice. ENJOY!

10.19.2018

Evans Family Farm

We are just so excited for fall over here, it's crazy.
From all the smells to all the colors, we love it.

One of the things on our bucket list for fall, was to visit a pumpkin patch and pick pumpkins.
We choose local and go to Evans Family Farm every year.
In fact, we stumbled upon this place on accident, when Jovi was only 6 months old and we lived in our first home in City Center.
Now that we live in Silver Lake, we're a lot closer to this pumpkin patch, as it's only on Lehi Main.
We love it and already can't wait to go again next year!

Having that been said, we found a little secret and a way to save you some dollars! Can I get an amen!?!?!
You don't need a coupon code, nor do you have to dress up and do anything silly... So don't worry.
BUT... You will have to make some sacrifices.
Like... Not going to this pumpkin patch at night.
Normally, for some, that wouldn't be a big deal.
EXCEPT... This place is so cute at night.
(I think most are)
Their edison bulbs are out and their drink stand is open.
What's not to love?!?!?
I was okay w/that though, because we usually go to Cornbelly's for all that anyway (more to come on future blog post).

Secret***
So normally you have to pay like $3.50/person for this pumpkin patch, I believe.
I don't know, don't quote me on that
BUT IF YOU GO EARLY ENOUGH IN THE SEASON, IT'S FREE!
That's right, you heard me. FREE!
They don't charge you admission and you still get to do all the things... YOU GUYS!
I was amazed. And this is why we support/love local. 
Everyone in our group got to go into the pumpkin patch, pet all their animals in their little petting zoo, pick out pumpkins, and ride the tractor train. ALL FOR FREE!
They were still moving hay belles when we were there during the day, otherwise the corn pit wold've been fun to jump in, and the metal tunnel would've been more than enjoyable for the kids;
However, we usually go to Cornbelly's for all that, as mentioned above, so this wasn't as big of a deal for us.
We were literally just coming to pick pumpkins and take some cute photos. Every blogger mom's dream, right?!?!

They did say they'd have everything up & running later that night though, so the key is to go during the day if you can.
We went the beginning of October, just for future reference.




Locals...
I sincerely hope you check this place out.
The owners are so so nice and it's such a quaint, intimate little pumpkin patch.
See ya next year, Evans Family Farm!!!

9.20.2018

Autumn Bucket List (2018)

I'm baaaaaack!
Did you miss me?
I think the last time I blogged was when my youngest was still a baby and now she's 3yo
(WHAT?!?!?!!)
So.... Clearly it's been awhile.
I'm still trying to figure out this whole thing.
Like, if I'm going to change "my name"
Remember when AIM was a thing and you had to choose a "screen name"
Also, I may change things up a bit and pick a different layout
I don't know. Decisions. Decisions.
But, for now, since we're coming into fall
I THOUGHT I'D LIST OUR AUTUMN FAMILY BUCKET LIST FOR THIS YEAR

So here it goes:

1. Take family pictures
2. Pick apples
3. Visit a pumpkin patch
4. Pick pumpkins
5. Go to Cornbelly's
6. Make apple pie
7. Decorate carameled apples
8. Make apple cider
9. Decorate for Halloween
10. Do a family costume
11. Take a fall foliage drive
12. Carve pumpkins & roast seeds
13. Trick-or-Treat
14. Make Boo bags & doorbell ditch them
15. Celebrate Anniversary #7
16. Watch Hocus Pocus
17. Rake leaves & jump in pile
18. Bake pumpkin bread & cookies
19. Have Nana visit
20. Attend Pinners Conf.

And to specify:

1. Possible by the lake, I'm looking to have family portraits done. I don't want fall pictures, per say. I want them pretty neutral & to match with the rest of my house.
2. I hear there's a decent apple orchard by our Costco in Lehi (for those of you who are local and in Utah County). A friend told me about it and said it's like a dollar per pound? Yeah, I'm all about it and will report back. 
3. We usually go to this little family pumpkin patch off Lehi Main Street close to Saratoga Springs (Evans Family Farm). We love supporting local!
4. We'll most likely pick pumpkins from said pumpkin patch mentioned above. Again, we're all about local. 
5. Cornbelly's is a family-oriented fall festival at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi and we've taken the girls the last few years & they've loved it. It gets more and more fun as they get older and older, so I look forward to it more and more each year. There's mazes, food, shows, picture opps, giant trampolines for the kids, hay rides, hot cocoa, and more. 
6. I have a really great apple pie recipe and haven't made it since hosting Thanksgiving a few years ago, so I'm excited to get my Betty Crocker on. 
7. The key to decorating a good apple is (first) your apple and (second) your caramel. I get my GREEN apples from Costco (they come in a 12 pack and are generally cheaper than most produce stores). And I get my caramel from Orson Gygi in Salt Lake City.
8. I've never made home-made apple cider before, so I'm excited to try this one. I usually just do the little packets that are pre-made, but this year I plan on going all out from the freshly picked apples from the apple orchard.
9. I don't like to go scary for Halloween. Generally, I take out my fall decor right around the end of August (Labor Day weekend) and keep it up until Thanksgiving night. I usually just have pumpkins everywhere and add some spiders & witch hats for the 31st. I'm more so a cute Halloween decorator, rather than scary.
10. We've been dressing up (as a family) for Halloween, since Jovi was first born. Jovi's our oldest and is 4yo so we've been kinda doing this for awhile. I actually dressed up when I was pregnant w/her and had so much fun, so I knew I wanted to carry on the tradition once she was actually born. We have a great family costume planned and I can't wait to share it w/you all. (Usually I like to try to keep this one a secret. Only a few close friends know).
11. Taking a scenic route is pretty easy to do in Utah, as we are surrounded by mountains. I typically drive Alpine Loop in the fall, but haven't done it w/my kids so I'm excited to show them all the bright, pretty colors. (For those of you who may not be familiar with Utah County, Alpine Loop starts in one canyon {American Fork Canyon} and ends in another canyon {Provo Canyon} hence it's name "Alpine Loop." You can start at whichever canyon you'd like. It's all the same and just as beautiful. Just know it's pretty windy, so if you're one to get car sick, be sure to suck on some mints, keep your window rolled down, and pull over often for pictures and or breaks.
12. Carving pumpkins is something we've actually never done w/our girls. Are we just pathetic parents, or what?!?! No, I guess I was just never really comfortable w/the mess (???) and wanted to wait until my girls were old enough to play with the guts. Also, I can't even remember the last time I roasted pumpkin seeds, but I know they're delicious sooooo HELLO NEW TRADITIONS!
13. Trick-or-Treating is a must and we go every year. It's a big thing in Utah (families start between 4:30 and 5 since it gets so cold and so dark so early in the fall/winter time). We are always sure to make it out to the frontyard in plenty of time for group/individual photos and always try to allow ourselves plenty of daylight so our pictures don't turn out grainy. Look, I even added a photo tip in there for ya.
14. Boo bags are another big thing in Utah and we always enjoy making them. If you've never been "Boo-ed" before, you're missing out. But basically you just get a bag full of Halloween goodies (you can put whatever you want in there, really), and you doorbell ditch them. Normally I know ahead of time which family I want to "Boo" so I put things in the bags according to that family's likes. ie- glow sticks, Halloween coloring books/stickers, suckers, cider, etc. It can be as simple as you'd like (a loaf of bread, plate of cookies), or as detailed as you'd like. It's just super fun to doorbell ditch a goodie bag, keep it a secret, and see who leaves something on your porch. OH! And there's usually a little sign that you put in your window, so others know you've been Boo-ed so you don't end up with something every night. Or I mean, you can just NOT put up the sign and act like you've never had anything left on your porch and just have ALL the neighbors come give you ALL the things. (Not saying I've done that before, but it could happen).
15. Jake and I will be married 7 years the end of October and I just cannot even believe it! Time sure does fly. We are planning a little weekend get-away and if it all works out, we'll be going to Antelope Canyon (which is down by the Lake Powell area). I'm super excited, as I've never been before, but have always wanted to photograph it and hey- kid free trips are always nice. 
16. Hocus Pocus is a must must must for me! I've watched it every year since I was a little girl and I introduced it to our oldest last year so it's kinda fun seeing her get into all the witch stuff.
17. Jumping into a pile of freshly raked leaves is a super dee duper hard thing for this OCD momma to do. I really really try to let my kids make messes, get dirty and just be a kid, but it's really really hard since I'm by myself 80% of the time. Knowing I have to bathe my kids alone every night, gets really old really fast. So this one will be a big thing for me this year, but boy am I excited for it. Mainly because I know my kids will enjoy it, but also.... Pictures. The pictures will be amazing. 
18. I can honestly say I've never made home-made pumpkin bread, but I have made a pumpkin roll. Maybe I'll have to do that instead. Nah, that's usually saved for Thanksgiving. If you have any good pumpkin bread recipes, send them my way please. Same with pumpkin cookies. Can't say I've made them, but I've tried them & they're delicious.
19. My mom is planning a trip up here to visit us for about two weeks, and I could not be more excited. For those of you who don't know, my parents are in Southern California, and we live in Utah, so as you can imagine, we don't really get to see them too often. My mom has been coming up to Utah (during Halloween) for the last 2 years though. This will be the 3rd year and we're so excited. We usually incorporate her costume w/ours and Jovi (our oldest) always has so much fun picking it out. (sorry mom)
20. Pinners Conference is held in Salt Lake City, Utah every year during the fall season and my sisters and I have gone together, the last 2 years, so this will be our third together. Our mom went with us the first year, but wasn't able to attend last year; however, this year she WILL be able to go with us and we are so so excited. In case you're not familiar with Pinners, it's a big craft fair, basically. It's like Pinterest, but in real life. It's amazing, and you get to meet all these amazing bloggers you've been following for years. (If you're anything like me, you find out who's going to be there ahead of time & find their map online so you know where their booth is and you plan a schedule according to theirs so you can meet up w/them for photos or chats. I know it sounds a bit stalker-ish but hey- Ya do whatcha gotta do, amiright).

That's it for this year's fall bucket list.
Maybe next year's will be different. Maybe it'll be the same.
Who knows
But I enjoy making new traditions with my family and seeing what others enjoy as well. 

What's on YOUR fall bucket list?!?!

7.07.2016

4th of July 2016

We had so much fun for the 4th of July this year!
We started out by picking up my brother (Austin) and his girlfriend (Brenna) in Salt Lake Sunday afternoon.
Monday morning we headed to downtown Lehi where we played and swam.
I loved that place. It was both indoor AND outdoor.
As you can see, Jovi had so much fun, and so did Presley.
Both my girls are little water babies.

We kinda skipped naps, and just went straight home to play some more.
My sister (Kelsey) met us at our house afterwards, and that's when the real party began!
We love Auntie Kelsey!

Jovi loves being outside & riding her bike!
Presley really enjoys being outside, as well, and waves to EVERYONE.
What social butterflies I have!
We BBQed hotdogs and had some delicious corn on the cob, watermelon, sweet potato fries & chips.
Costco made a yummy berry pie, and we enjoyed every bit of it w/vanilla ice cream.
I couldn't stop eating! It was such good food!

Happy Birthday, America. 
We realize this land isn't free, and we are so so thankful for all those who have sacrificed, continue to do so, and who will in the future.
Thank you to all the men, women, and families who make so many scarifies for our freedom.

God Bless America. Land that I love







  











2.16.2016

Nine month stats (P)

Presley is nine months old!

Our little Sweet P turned nine months old yesterday (Tuesday, February 15th). I can't believe how fast time has flown!!!! Slow down, baby girl. Slow down! 
Here is what she's been up to:
- She has two teeth & both are dead center, bottom. They are so so cute and you can really see them when she opens her mouth to CRY!
- Still takes 2 naps, but the morning one has become significantly shorter. Instead of sleeping from 9/9:30-12/12:30, she now will sleep from 9/9:30 until about 10/10:30
- Can pull herself up when laying down on your chest.
- Is talking (babbling) a ton a ton a ton a ton. 
- Sits in the high chair when eating, because let's face it- She can't sit in the bumbo forever. And she kinda outgrew it and could almost pop herself out of it.
- Has started eating those puffy little starts (snacks that dissolve in her mouth), and does GREAT w/them. We bring them to church on Sundays and they keep her VERY entertained. She's good at eating them in her high chair too. You can put a few on her tray and she'll play w/them and grab them, or you can put one in her mouth (or hand), and she does really well w/that too. It's so cute to see her play w/it in her mouth.
- Has recently discovered other babies and thinks they are the COOLEST. I'm not sure if she thinks they're her or what, but either way, it's just the CUTEST!
- She scoots in the bathtub! I usually sit her up, to bathe her, and she'll scoot all the way down to the other end. It is so funny to watch… I even got it on video.
- Even though she's still not mobile, her head is a perfectly round shape and just beautiful. We love her cute little head & her little ears. (She definitely takes after me on that one).
- She's getting more hair on top of her head! It's so so so so cute and it hangs over her ears a bit.
- Has begun picking at her headbands and doesn't really keep them on anymore. Sad day for SURE! I'm at least glad it's taken her THIS long to get to this point; However, I'm still sad because she looks oh so cute and that gold, leather bow, and all the other ones I've made to match all her outfits. (Yes, I still do that). She'll even take off her hoodie! That girl…
- Has become a little more sassy and has that little personality of hers coming out more & more every day.
- Will yell at me if I take too long putting another spoonful in her mouth. No seriously, if I put her food down for a minute (to do something for Jovi, or flip a quesadilla, or get a drink, etc.) she YELLS at me! Ha
- Loves her dadda and gets so so excited to see him.
- Has tried eating & drinking sissy's snacks. Grrrr gotta keep an eye out on those two! (Jovi will sometimes try to sneak goldfish snacks to her sister, and bless her heart for sharing I'll have to fish them out of Presley's mouth. Literally!)
- Will kick and scoot (in the middle of the night, while sleeping), so that when I go into their room in the morning, she'll be clear on the other side of her crib! So now I put some padding at the top, so when she DOES do that, she won't bump her head so much. 
- And weighs 21 pounds (87th percentile), is 29 inches long (92nd percentile), and has a head that's in the 55th percentile (44 cm). Her doctor said her head is just perfect the way it is (which is something we were really worried about since she's not mobile). We just love every ounce and roll of our little Sweet P! She is just the perfect addition to our family and we love love love seeing her interact w/her big sister. They are just SO fun together. 

2.07.2016

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Ingredients:
  • 1 tube Pillsbury pizza crust
  • 40 pepperoni slices
  • 10 mozzarella cheese sticks
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • Optional: marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Spread pizza dough out on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cut the dough into 10 equal size rectangles.
  3. Arrange 4 pepperoni slices on each rectangle and top with a mozzarella cheese stick.
  4. Roll up the pizza dough, enclosing the cheese stick, pinching the seams closed.
  5. Melt the butter and add the garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush the pizza sticks with the butter.
  6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Enjoy warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if desired.